April 26, 2010

The Pleasanton Unified School District expects to announce a new
superintendent within a few weeks, and I am very much looking forward to when the board members reveal the new hire's name.

As I wait for the upcoming announcement, I have also been reflecting on what the community might expect from a new superintendent. It
is reasonable to expect someone who can bring a renewed sense of
accountability, transparency, and innovativeness to PUSD: someone who
can encourage employees to do more with less; someone who can listen to
the community and collaborate with stakeholder groups; someone who can
heal damaged relationships.

The leadership profile originally posted at the beginning of the search seemed to ask for a great deal more than that -- perhaps even describing a candidate who could do everything except walk on water. Charismatic, outgoing, and assertive, but
also humble and collaborative; outstanding at continuing to cut
expenses and willing to "take on" the unions in a more adversarial way,
but also able to support and encourage union members, high-performing teachers, principals, and
staff through tough times.

My hope is that the community will
take time to get to know the new superintendent, through the summer and
fall, before forming any snap judgements of the new "CEO" of
Pleasanton's schools.

A number of searches for other management staff, including the principal at Amador Valley High School, are getting under way soon. It is fortuitous that the new superintendent will be able to give input on selecting finalists for key positions.